Lingering Light: Max McNown’s “St. Helens Alpenglow” Reflects on Enduring Echoes of Love
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Max McNown has unveiled his latest single, “St. Helens Alpenglow,” a poignant meditation on the lasting impact of past relationships. Released alongside a visually evocative performance video via Fugitive Recordings x The Orchard x Columbia Records, the track showcases McNown’s lyrical depth and his talent for weaving together folk and pop sensibilities.
The song unfolds with a delicate interplay of guitar and banjo, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. McNown’s voice, imbued with a gentle sincerity, delivers resonant lines that speak to the enduring presence of a former love. The central metaphor of the song is beautifully captured in the lyric: “And you might be over me you might be gone, but all that I need you to know, is to me you will always be Saint Helen’s alpenglow.” This powerful imagery evokes the soft, rosy light that graces mountain peaks at dawn or dusk – a fleeting beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
McNown himself offers insight into the track’s meaning, explaining its universal connection to the formative power of relationships. “For better or for worse, every relationship we’ve ever experienced has shaped us into the person we are today,” he reflects. “The song ‘St. Helens Alpenglow’ serves as a reminder that just because a past love didn’t make it to the finish line, it doesn’t mean it was all for nothing. There are pieces of one another that we carry far beyond the “end” of our romances. The “Alpenglow” represents those fragments of broken relationships, memories you look back on fondly and will always be grateful for.”
This new single follows the release of “Call Me If You Miss Me” and further enriches the narrative landscape of McNown’s acclaimed sophomore album, Night Diving, which arrived on January 24th. Produced by the seasoned Jamie Kenney, known for his work with artists like Colbie Caillat and Laci Kaye Booth, Night Diving is a graceful fusion of folk and pop, showcasing McNown’s growth as a songwriter and his ability to craft emotionally resonant soundscapes.
McNown’s recent appearances have further solidified his position as an artist on the rise. He made his television debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show with a charming performance of his radio hit “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” captivating a national audience with his heartfelt delivery. Adding another significant milestone, just a month prior, host and fellow singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson herself covered McNown’s breakout single, “A Lot More Free,” on her show. This track, which recently achieved GOLD certification, resonated deeply with listeners and marked a pivotal moment in McNown’s burgeoning career.
“St. Helens Alpenglow” stands as a testament to Max McNown’s ability to articulate complex emotions with clarity and grace. Through evocative lyrics and a captivating melody, he explores the enduring impact of love, even in its absence. The song serves as a gentle reminder that while relationships may evolve or end, the experiences and the fragments of connection often remain, casting a soft, lingering light on our personal landscapes, much like the alpenglow on a distant peak. As McNown continues to share his music, he solidifies his place as a compelling voice in contemporary singer-songwriting, offering listeners reflections on love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection.
photo credit: benjamin edwards